KPMG: Most new car buyers say they're likely to choose electric

Of the 62% of Canadians planning to buy a new car in the next one-to-five years, 68% say they are very likely or likely to purchase an electric vehicle (EV) – either full-electric or hybrid – according to a recent survey from KPMG Canada.

Younger consumers are likelier to go electric, unsurprisingly, with 79% of 18-to-44-year-olds saying so, compared to 58% of those aged 45 or older.

Prospective car buyers in BC are likeliest to purchase an EV in the next five years (77%), followed by Quebeckers, according to the January survey of 2,000 Canadians. Saskatchewanians and Manitobans are least likely to buy an EV as their next vehicle (48%), followed by Albertans (54%).

Men are more inclined to buy an EV than women, at 73% versus 62%.

For those in the market for an EV – which according to the report is 42% of all consumers – the most popular brand choice is Toyota (23%), followed by Tesla (19%).

Despite Canadians’ seeming openness to purchasing an EV, the lack of charging infrastructure, battery life and range, and price remain consistent concerns.

Eighty-three percent of Canadians said automakers should be required to invest in a national charging infrastructure, while 89% want EV charging stations at every gas station, as well as at shopping malls and grocery stores.

"Our poll research illustrates huge consumer demand in Canada for EVs, putting the onus on manufacturers and governments alike to shift gears not only to meet the expected surge in EV sales but to invest heavily in the necessary infrastructure," said Peter Hatges, automotive sector leader at KPMG Canada.

Of the 32% of prospective car buyers not interested in an EV, the top reasons for avoid electric vehicles were price (60%), limited driving range (51%), and lack of charging infrastructure (50%).

Canadians overall were also concerned about reliability of electric vehicles in cold weather (67%).

Canadians, however, were receptive to tax credits and incentives: 70% said they needed tax and/or automotive company incentives to make them change their mind and buy an EV.